'Toasted Skin Syndrome' a Reminder of the Importance of Laptop Safety

The word laptop has always been a misnomer, but this fact rings especially true after the Associated Press reported that "toasted skin syndrome" can arise when frequent laptop users set them literally on their laps for an extended period of time.

The condition has gained renewed interest after doctors reported a 12-year-old boy "developed a sponge-patterned skin discoloration on his left thigh after playing computer games a few hours every day for several months." The journal Pediatrics reported that the boy is the youngest of the 10 patients in the past six years who reported this medical condition. According to Associated Press, another patient, a Virginia law student, reported the discoloration to a doctor, who was baffled until the student told her she spent six hours a day with the computer on her lap. The computer bottom registered a temperature of 125 degrees.

The heat is caused by the computer's optical drive, the battery, or ventilation fan. While the condition can cause permanent skin darkening, researchers stated that it could cause damage leading to skin cancers. However, no skin cancer cases have been linked to laptop use.

There are likely far more individuals affected by "toasted skin syndrome" than the 10 reported cases. With the amount of time adults, and especially children and teenagers, spend on laptops, it's unlikely that these 10 individuals are alone. The good thing is that this condition is completely preventable. Simply think smart and reeducate yourself and your children on the basics of laptop safety.

1) Vent Inspection: Ensure that your vents are clean and able to receive and exhaust air. Vents are essential to optimal cooling and keeping papers near or on a laptop can easily block them.

2) Don't Use it as a "Laptop": The excessive heat generated by laptops can quite obviously affect users. If you must use a laptop on your lap, place it on top of something like a book or, even better, an actual laptop rest or cooling pad. You can purchase these at any office supply store or place where computers are sold.

If you're using a laptop on a couch or chair, use these same rules and don't set it on a pillow. The soft material can easily block the all-important vents and cause the computer to overheat. Again, use a book, laptop rest or cooling pad. Cooling pads are especially helpful as some of them are USB-powered and run fans to help your computer cool down.

3) Turn It Off!: When your laptop isn't being used, shut it off. This will keep it from overheating and wearing out the battery. When transporting a laptop in a bag or backpack, still turn it off and place it in a sleeve. The computer can still overheat even in sleep mode. A sleeve will also protect the ports and vents from dirt and other items in the bag.

Andreas W. Arnold MD and Peter H. Itin, MD, Laptop Computer--Induced Erythema ab Igne in a Child and Review of the Literature, PEDIATRICS: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Lindsey Tanner, Laptops Lead to "Toasted Skin Syndrome," Associated Press

Adam Carhill, 8 Simple Tips to Keep Your Laptop Safe, EzineArticles.com